The following portion of the master plan is a an in-depth look of the history of the municipiality and the school district. This portion also aims to identify any information vital to the development of the masterplan including location, regional climate, boundaries, any significance or context, and demographics.

Manitou Springs is a home rule municipality located at the foot of Pikes Peak in western El Paso County, Colorado, United States. The town was founded for its natural mineral springs. The downtown area continues to be of interest to travelers, particularly in the summer, with many shops and restaurants, as well as a creekside city park. The main road through the center of town was one of the direct paths to the base of Pikes Peak. Barr Trail, which winds its way up Pikes Peak, is accessible from town.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitou_Springs,_Colorado

Manitou Avenue is the main thoroughfare and location for most of the district's businesses. Some businesses are located on Ruxton Avenue and Canon Street. Residences are located along winding streets on hills that overlook the center of town. The houses cling to the mountain slopes, sometimes creating a look of stacked boxes. The feeling close-up, on foot, or from a car, is often of a precarious and cramped context. Lacking flat land for lawns, Manitou is a town of decks, porches and stone-walled terraces.

Manitou Springs maintains much of its 19th-century appearance due to its geographic location and the town's strong preservation efforts. The town developed within a tight valley surrounded by hillsides that are developed to their potential; There is no room for expansion. In addition, the town optimizes preservation of historical buildings. To a large extent, the 19th century homes and hotels are prevalent, although many have been renovated or expanded. Changes since the 19th century include loss of some commercial buildings and accommodation of automobile traffic and parking.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitou_Springs_Historic_District

Nestled between Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, historic Manitou Springs is centrally-located to the unique attractions of the Pikes Peak Region.

A road-tripper’s paradise, Manitou sits just below Highway 24. Head east and you’re to the interstate in under 15 minutes. Head west and you’re entering the gateway to the Rocky Mountains.

Source: https://manitousprings.org/

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The first school in Manitou Springs dates to 1872.  In 2022, Manitou Springs School District (MSSD) celebrated its 150-year anniversary. When the school district first started, students were called to school using a hand bell. The history of MSSD is rich and has always been supported by the City of Manitou Springs with the three pillars of the community being knowledge, character, and brotherhood.

For further reading on MSSD's History, please click the button below.

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